West Herts men’s side exited the NOW: Pensions EH Men’s Cup after losing out on penalty strokes to Southgate.

Southgate broke the deadlock but the Stags quickly hit back as Dan Webster and Shea O’Sullivan combined to tee up Ed Beak and he slotted home.

Moments later the hosts retook the lead after poor defending from West Herts.

The Stags were able to turn the game around by half time. Max Webster slotted in a deserved equaliser and Pete Corbridge then saw a deflected effort find the net.

The second period was an end-to-end affair and both teams had chances. Southgate equalised after a period of pressure before West Herts didn't take a great chance to secure victory as they wasted a three-on-one counter attack. The game ended 3-3 and penalties strokes ensued.

On this occasion, despite hitting the target with all flicks, one good save and two suspect miss-hits allowed Southgate to take the flick contest 3-2. There was further disappointment in league action on Saturday. The side suffered their third defeat of their NOW: Pensions National League East Conference campaign after going down 4-3 against Brighton & Hove.

The Stags found themselves two goals behind after just 21 minutes. Mike Burney netted a short corner and the Brighton lead was doubled through Rupert Ashdown.

Herts were struggling. They had lost their discipline as the half progressed and the visitors made it 3-0 just after the interval as Rob Cornell found the net.

The Stags did mount a comeback in the second period and, on 48 minutes, pulled a goal back when Dan Webster found the net from a penalty corner.

Terry Kynaston then struck for the home side but Brighton quickly halted the Stags’ momentum as Cornwell added his second of the afternoon.

Webster scored a third for West Herts with five minutes remaining but they were unable to find an equaliser.

The Ladies’ first team cemented their place at the top of East Premier after defeating Old Loughtonians 2-1.

Herts broke the deadlock in the 12th minute through Anna Coppel and it was an advantage they held until the break.

Old Loughts reduced the deficit shortly after the restart and the game opened up as both pressed for a winner. It arrived for Herts in the 60th minute. Coppel teed up Anna McGlaughlin and she finished to secure victory.

Adam Johnson (2) and Simon Lowen netted for West Herts men’s Seconds in their 3-1 win over Upminster while the Thirds were beaten 6-1 by Shefford and Sandy. Luke Frey struck the consolation.

The Fourths had Julian Peers on target in a 2-1 defeat to Winchmore Hill & Enfield Thirds while Fifths overcame Harpenden 2-1 with Owen Stevenson and Andy Larkin scoring.

Liam Nixon, Darren White and Callum Woodage netted for the Sixths in their 4-3 lost to Cheshunt Seconds while the Sevenths defeated Stevenage Fifths 5-0. Giles Greensmith, Kim Waddup and Shasza Paterson-Jones scored.

In the ladies’ section, the Seconds lost 3-1 to Leighton Buzzard. Laura Payton scored the consolation.

The Thirds had Emma Fulcher and Hayley McNeill on the scoresheet in a 2-1 win while the Thirds were beaten 3-1 by Letchworth Thirds, Sam Rothwell scored for the Stags.

Goals by Jenni Annis, Katie Bryden and Steph McMillan helped the Fifths to a 3-2 win over Hertford.